DNS - Why must I use the given DNS address? 1

[RobSimpson]

New Win2K Server Network. 16 Win2K workstations.

Server IP 192.168.20.2
Router configured at 192.168.20.1
Scope 192.168.20.0 to 192.168.20.254 no exceptions or reservations (not router nor print server).

DNS settings supplied by people who installed our ISDN router for connection to an education company called RM gave us DNS settings of 194.238.40.1 and 193.238.40.2. We have to set the proxy settings of IE5 to isdncache.rmplc.co.uk port 8080.

Why do these DNS settings have to be used. Why can't the server act as a DNS server? How do they do their job?

The network doesn't work properly - machines can't be joined to the network, can't be managed from the server, can't get GPO to be effective.

However, if I do use the IP of the server 192.168.20.2 as the DNS server, the network problems seem to vanish but we then cannot access the internet at all. Catch 22.

I can't ping 194.238.40.1 or 194.238.40.2 from any workstation (haven't tried it from the server). But still the computers will only access the internet when these are set as static on the workstations.

Why did they make these settings? Any ideas welcome on how to resolve the problem.

 

[MattWray]

It sounds like you are in the wrong place for your fowarders. That is not in WINS, Expand the DNS snap-in down till you see your forward look-up. In the left pane, right click the server-name and choose properties. On the window that pops up there should be a "Forwarders" tab, that is where you enable them. Use nslookup for the names and ipconfig to verify the info.

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q300202&sd=tech

Here is the M$ KB article with a step-by-step... Thanks,

Matt Wray

 

[RobSimpson]

WooHoo! It worked. THANKS for all your help.

I hadn't been looking in the right place for the forwarder. Now that's in place everything seems peachy! I also didn't realise I had to name the new zone ITSUITE.

Any idea why each workstation shows up under this forward zone lookup after they have logged on?

Now all I have to do is get my head around GPOs. I've managed to remove the Shut Down button from the server .... GPOs all say Not Configured but something's got it.

But, really, thanks a lot!!!!!!

 

[MattWray]

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/tr...echnet/tcevents/itevents/network/tnq10107.asp

That is a link for GPO's. Glad I was able to help you out! Thanks,

Matt Wray

 

[madman070578]

Rob,

I am a NT4 Network Manager in the UK, working in Education, trying to sort out the exact same problem as you with RM!!! with a Cisco Router....while moving to Windows 2000 Server. The story seems exactly the same as the one I was trying to sort a few months ago.

Regards,
Dean

 

[RobSimpson]

Dean

As a primary school ICT Co-ordinator I would be happy to keep in touch if you want to share network failure/successes.

Robert

 

[madman070578]

Sure Rob, no point us both trying to re-invent the wheel with our problems. Send me an e-mail.

Dean

 

[hads]

I realise that you have this working already but just to add.

>Server Network settings: Static IP 192.168.20.2
>Subnet 255.255.255.0
>Gateway 192.168.20.1
>DNS 194.238.48.1 and 194.238.48.2

The server should be looking to itself for DNS aswell.
01101000011000010110010001110011

 

[madman070578]

Rob,

Are you using all Windows 2000 Clients or are you using some XP Clients too?

 

[RobSimpson]

Dean

Win2K Server + 16 Win2k professional workstations

e-mail: NoSpamchequer@ntlworld.com

Obviously remove the nospam for me.

Robert